Herlene ‘Hipon Girl’ Budol called out for cultural appropriation over ‘Fro’ hairstyle

Comedian and beauty pageant contestant Herlene “Hipon Girl” Budol drew flak instead of laughs this time after she sported a “Fro” hairstyle, which was criticized as cultural appropriation.

Cultural appropriation is “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture,” as per Cambridge Dictionary.

Budol showed herself with the said hairstyle in a recent photoshoot, via her Instagram page yesterday, July 5.

“I love my Fro’ — it’s not just a hairstyle; it’s a statement,” Budol said.

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Afro as a hairstyle which originated from African-American people and is of significance to their culture.

Netizens were quick to call out the comedian via the comments section, with one @jepcastillo describing Budol’s “statement” as “disgusting.”

“This is cultural appropriation. Unless you naturally have a fro, then you can’t use this hairstyle. You are beautiful but this hairstyle is inappropriate to use,” one @jennyannwg addressed Budol.

“An Afro is not a fashion statement. This is straight up cultural appropriation. This isn’t yours, so don’t wear it for publicity. As a beauty queen you should know better!!” one @frosted_111 commented.

“No one from her team told her NOT to do this?” one @jkpalma92 asked.

Budol and her team are yet to comment on the matter, as of writing.

Budol is among the 40 candidates who will be competing for the four titles at the upcoming Binibining Pilipinas pageant: Bb. Pilipinas International, Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental, Bb. Pilipinas Globe and Bb. Pilipinas Grand International. The pageant’s coronation night will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on July 31. JB

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